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Powersports Business • July 2023 • 27

Electric motorcycles have been around for nearly two decades , with Zero Motorcycles being founded by former NASA engineer , Neal Saiki , in 2006 . The company ’ s production of electric motorcycles began in 2010 , and a few years later Harley-Davidson announced it was building an electric motorcycle , too .

Traditional motorcycles , especially Harleys , are loud with a rumbling exhaust that announces its presence at every stoplight . But electric bikes are something different , and much quieter . Will electric powersports vehicles be as successful as Tesla has been in the automotive space ? So far , the jury is still out . Zero Motorcycles has yet to break out due to financing issues and technology obsolescence . Since Zero was one of the early adopters , battery technology has continually

Taiga developed the Orca Carbon , a fully electric PWC that offers up to 160 hp and a battery range of up to 28 miles . We spoke with a Taiga service provider in Canada who says the product is user friendly and consumer responses are encouraging . Photo courtesy of Taiga improved over multiple models . But some of the improvements have been at the expense of the consumer being stuck with a bike that isn ’ t old , but no longer as usable as it once was .

Harley has had its challenges with electric as well . The Motor Company spun off the LiveWire brand as its own entity in 2021 and has yet to make a mark with the traditional Harley consumer . But the average motorcycle customer may not be an electric motorcycle buyer . In fact , many analysts have noted Harley ’ s troubles with LiveWire . With revenue down by double-digits , one wonders if the ship will ever turn around .

Dealers who sell electric say that it is still too early to tell if the segment will take off . Most consumers are not looking at electric unless they are early adopters . Both LiveWire and Zero offer some great bikes

The Greenger Powersports x Honda CRF-E2 is an off-road electric youth bike that launched in 2022 and is sold exclusivly through Honda delaers . Photo courtesy of Greenger Powersports

with amazing technology built into the batteries , but it seems that consumers of powersports vehicles – unless we ’ re talking about e-bikes – are largely uninterested in them for a variety of reasons . First , there ’ s the range anxiety issue that plagues almost all electric vehicles . If you aren ’ t in an area where there ’ s a large enough charging infrastructure , electric is going to be a challenge . But battery range is rapidly improving and charging infrastructure is also getting better .

Another issue that hurts the electric segment is the price . These vehicles are typically much more expensive and produce less performance than their gas-powered siblings . While both LiveWire and Zero offer some more affordable models today , they are still priced higher than many premium ICE bikes on the market .

According to a recent survey we sent out to dealers , most believe that electric powersports will be a large segment within ten years , or sooner if the technology improves faster . But as long as there ’ s a choice , it looks like traditional powersports will have the edge for a while . And there ’ s still some runway left on gas-powered motorcycles and UTVs .

See Everything Electric , Page 28

Formula One legend and two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen has designed the signature model of a new electric superbike in collaboration with Finnish electric superbike pioneer , Verge Motorcycles . Just one hundred Signature bikes will be manufactured .

“ I know from experience what it takes to develop a vehicle that embodies speed , precision and elegance . I wanted to design the bike right down to the smallest detail rather than just picking the color . Each bike is numbered and features an exclusive signature . This electric superbike represents the future of riding and is a testament to a life lived to the fullest ,” says Häkkinen .

The luxury superbike combines a stylish and bold design with Verge ’ s unique technologies . Perfected down to the last detail , the model represents the most powerful and advanced electric superbike on the market with a range of 350 kilometers ( 217 miles ) and a fast-charging time of just 35 minutes .

In addition , it features an integrated rim motor inside the rear wheel , which is a patented and internationally awarded innovation developed by Verge . This means that all of the power is transferred straight to the road and creates more space in the middle of the bike for the battery pack , while also lowering the bike ’ s center of gravity . The hubless design allows Verge to remove all moving parts like chains and cogwheels , leading to a streamlined design .

Capable of producing a 0−60 time of 3.5 seconds , the special edition Verge Signature bike can reach a top speed of 200 km / hour , nearly 125 miles per hour . Offering an incredible 1000 nm of torque ( more than 730 lb-ft ), the special-edition Verge bike is balanced out by the company ’ s traction control system , ABS and customizable riding modes to keep the rider entirely in control . Custom Brembo brakes help to increase stopping power , to further balance the incredible power harnessed within each superbike .

Häkkinen and Verge Motorcycles teamed up at the beginning of 2023 , when Häkkinen was appointed to the company ’ s advisory board . Häkkinen is also one of the investors in Verge Motorcycles .

“ We are extremely proud to have F1 legend Mika Häkkinen design the signature model . He is one of the greatest drivers of all time . Breaking boundaries and enjoying the thrill of speed is something that we very much share in common ,” says Tuomo Lehtimäki , CEO of Verge Motorcycles .

The unique superbike designed by Häkkinen is available via the Verge Motorcycles online store . It can also be purchased from its flagship store in Monaco , which will open in connection with the Monaco Grand Prix and is the superbike manufacturer ’ s first

Two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen designed his signature model electric superbike in collaboration with Finnish electric superbike pioneer , Verge Motorcycles . Photos courtesy of

Verge Motorcycles

physical shop and showroom .

With a U . S . base of operations in San Francisco , California , Verge Motorcycles says it plans to open its first U . S . dealership in the near future .

The retail price of the bike without taxes is 80,000 euros or around $ 87,000 USD .